Bob Schwarz, BethlehemArmy, World War II

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With my birthday — Dec. 8, 1919 — we considered Nov. 11 the day to honor World War I heroes. For many years, it was known as Armistice Day.

This seemed like a simple question, but I found I have no simple answer. We thought of one important point that was overlooked. What about the veterans long since gone? If it hadn't been for the bravery and resolve of our citizen-soldiers who saved our country from enemy troops over the years, we wouldn't have the freedom to celebrate Nov. 11 as our Veterans Day.

My two weeks buried in the snow in the Battle of the Bulge was no worse than Gen. Washington's winter. Our loss of life in World War II was terrible, but a visit to Gettysburg convinced me that it may have been worse. Our history shows other great examples of my Veterans Day. I am here, free and grateful because of those veterans who made it possible.